Thunder's Gilgeous-Alexander Praises Jalen Williams' Importance

All-Star guard says Thunder are 'best version' when Williams is playing at elite level

Apr. 20, 2026 at 1:22am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting an intense basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Phoenix Suns, with the players' forms broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette.The Thunder's title defense hinges on the continued elite play of young star Jalen Williams, who is a key piece alongside veteran leader Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.Oklahoma City Today

Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander praised the importance of teammate Jalen Williams, saying the team is at its best when Williams is playing at an elite level. Williams had a strong Game 1 performance against the Phoenix Suns, and Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized the need for the team to keep Williams in rhythm. Meanwhile, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault expects the Suns to come back stronger in Game 2 after the team's dominant Game 1 win.

Why it matters

Jalen Williams' strong play is crucial for the Thunder's title defense, as Gilgeous-Alexander and the team's other key players rely on him to be at his best. The Thunder will need Williams to continue performing at a high level if they hope to advance deep into the playoffs.

The details

In the Thunder's 119-84 Game 1 win over the Suns, Williams filled the stat sheet with 22 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 block, and 1 steal. Gilgeous-Alexander, who had 25 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds, and 2 blocks in the game, emphasized the need for the team to keep Williams 'in rhythm' in order for the Thunder to be 'the best version of ourselves.' Meanwhile, Daigneault expects the Suns to come out stronger in Game 2 after their lopsided loss in the series opener.

  • The Thunder won Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Suns on April 19, 2026.
  • Game 2 between the Thunder and Suns is scheduled for April 22, 2026.

The players

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

An All-Star guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder who is a key leader on the team's title defense.

Jalen Williams

A second-year player for the Oklahoma City Thunder who had a standout performance in Game 1 against the Suns.

Mark Daigneault

The head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder who expects the Suns to bounce back in Game 2 after their lopsided loss in the series opener.

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What they’re saying

“'We're the best version of ourselves when he's the best version of himself. So, we gotta make sure he stays there. Myself, coach, other ball handlers have to make sure he's in rhythm'”

— Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, All-Star guard, Oklahoma City Thunder

What’s next

The Thunder will host the Suns in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.

The takeaway

Jalen Williams' strong play is crucial to the Thunder's title defense, as the team's star players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander rely on him to perform at a high level. The Thunder will need Williams to continue his efficient and well-rounded production if they hope to advance deep into the playoffs.